Frequent Depth Changes

Spring fishing success often comes down to finding the right depth. As water temperatures fluctuate throughout the day, trout will adjust their position in the water column. Early in the morning, when temperatures are colder, fish tend to hold deeper, conserving energy in slower-moving water. As the day warms, they may move up to feed in shallower areas, particularly if insects begin hatching. Regularly adjusting your weight, indicator placement, or leader length ensures your flies stay in the strike zone, increasing your chances of hooking up. Change your depth before you change your flies, often times the first rig you choose to throw will work great if it is at the right depth, the fish are not very picky this time of year!

Color Matching to the Weather

The weather in early spring is unpredictable, and the light conditions on any given day can greatly impact which fly colors are most effective. On bright, sunny days, natural, lighter-colored flies tend to blend in better with the surroundings, making them a more realistic choice. On overcast days or in stained water, darker or flashier patterns help create contrast, making it easier for fish to spot your flies. Think of it like choosing the right clothing for the conditions—sometimes subtle is best, while other times, you need something that stands out. Paying attention to cloud cover, water clarity, and light penetration will help you dial in the perfect color combination for success. 

Being Hatch Aware

Spring marks the start of some of the most exciting insect activity of the year, and staying aware of what’s hatching can make or break your day on the water. Early-season hatches like midges, blue-winged olives, and skwala stoneflies often bring trout to the surface, but they won’t rise for just anything. Observing the water for emerging insects, paying attention to fish behavior, and having the right imitations on hand can mean the difference between an average day and a banner day. Even when trout aren’t visibly rising, subsurface nymphs that match the active hatch can be highly effective. If you’re seeing fish keying in on a specific bug, switching to a proper imitation will always improve your odds.

Keeping Things Simple

With rapidly changing conditions and unpredictable weather, it’s easy to get caught up in making constant adjustments. While adaptability is important, overcomplicating your setup can sometimes work against you. Spring fishing success often comes from sticking with a few proven patterns, adjusting presentation rather than endlessly swapping flies. Keep a simple selection of reliable nymphs, streamers, and dries that match common spring hatches, and focus on reading the water instead of second-guessing your fly box. Sometimes, the best approach is to fish with confidence and let the fish tell you what’s working.